Screen Time and Attention Span among Children in a Private School in Iloilo City, Philippines

Abstract

This descriptive-correlational study aimed to determine the relationship between screen time and attention span among children aged 12 years and below in a private school in Iloilo City. The study was conducted during the Academic Year 2025–2026 and involved 50 primary caregivers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed children’s screen time exposure and attention span based on caregiver-reported measures. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while Spearman’s rho was applied to determine the relationship between variables. Findings revealed that children had an average screen time of 72.7 ± 46.4 minutes, with 54.0% exceeding recommended daily limits. Most children were exposed to screens at an early age, primarily through smartphones, with higher usage observed during weekends. The overall attention span score (0.95 ± 0.40) indicated a generally low risk of inattention; however, some children demonstrated difficulties in sustaining focus and completing tasks. Statistical analysis showed a significant moderate positive correlation between screen time and attention span (r = 0.328, p = 0.020), indicating that increased screen exposure is associated with greater attention-related difficulties. Despite these findings, limitations such as the small sample size and reliance on caregiver-reported data may affect the generalizability and objectivity of the results. The study highlights the importance of regulating children’s screen time and promoting balanced developmental activities. Future research involving larger and more diverse populations, as well as objective measurement tools, is recommended.